Niue plans to set up shipping registry

The Niue Government is attempting to push through legislation that would establish a shipping registry.

Our correspondent, Mona Ainuu, says it is being done in association with a Singaporean firm with the Government saying the registry would net Niue 100 thousand US dollars in the first year, doubling in the second.

But the opposition, led by a former Justice Minister, Togia Sioneholo, say the legislation is being rushed, while the document is not in Niuean, only English.

Shipping registries in the Pacific are often used to facilitate flags of convenience.

Ten years ago vessels flying under a Tongan flag were accused of carrying terrorists to Sicily and freighting arms to members of Al Qaeda.